Geometridae: Larentiinae

1727 (ABH70.054) Silver-ground Carpet Xanthorhoe montanata, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

KR08255

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hillesden, Bucks
Hillesden, Bucks
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Coed y Llechau-Llanbedr
Coed y Llechau-Llanbedr
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex female Hemingford Grey. 11th June 2021. Male, em. Oct. 2021.
ex female Hemingford Grey. 11th June 2021. Male, em. Oct. 2021.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood, May 2005
Monks Wood, May 2005
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This species is quite variable. The white or brownish-white wings, the irregular brown cross-band on the forewing and the quite plain hindwing are all diagnostic. The central band varies in width and is sometimes split into two blotches (f. degenerata) or one small blotch close to the leading edge (f. costimaculata). The band can also vary between greyish brown to dark-brown, usually with some white.

 

Pupates in loose earth.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 14-17mm.
Foodplant(s): cleavers (Galium aparine), Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo), Primrose (Primula vulgaris), herbaceous plants
Flying: One generation, mid May-late July
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Damp places with tall, herbaceous vegetation, hedgerows, scrub, woodland rides, fens, chalk download and heathland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 145 (53.7%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 17 April to 30 August

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe fluctuata


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Grey, brown, black, yellow
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2